John J Presley at Black Heart

Last night’s concertgoers at Black Hart in Camden were treated to two support acts for John J Presley’s single launch Left. The first was Tenebrous Liar, who seemed to revel in the sparse tones between notes until they really got going with music that was laid-back sleaze. We then heard Skinny Love, a two-piece who began gently and soon grooved into some foot-stomping riffs that could only be described as bluesy as hell, with a strong Mississippi feel to it all. The band gave listeners the sensation of hearing something wonderful for the first time.

A venue that allows for a full throttle performance, Black Heart was packed with a crowd full of buzz for John J Presley’s performance. The band’s Facebook page describes them simply as “Blues Alt Noir”, and that couldn’t be more true: all dressed in black, there was a strong menacing look in John J’s eyes that made you feel you were about to be possessed by the music. Their most powerful attribute is their live performance, and last night it was relentless. The band exudes a relaxed vibe that can release a huge, satisfying power at any moment, and they sure did in Camden.

The new single Left is instantly memorable, a great riff that will get stuck in your head for days, but it’s too short – we all wanted more. There was only minimal crowd interaction, but that’s their thing. They stay in the shadows, swooning in the dark, liable to grab you at any moment, and you don’t want them to let you go.

John J Presley have to be seen live. As great as the studio material is, it’s restrained in comparison, and it was immensely satisfying last night.

Adam Bennett
Photos: Adam Bennett

For further information and future events visit John J Presley’s website here.

Watch the video for Left here: